The following is the eulogy I delivered at my mother’s funeral on Sunday, December 31, 2006.

Good afternoon family, friends and honored guests. It’s my privilege to say a few things to you this afternoon, especially given the fact that I share the gift of gab with so many in my family. In fact, Momma took forever to go to the grocery store because she had to stop and talk to all the babies, and I suspect many grown ups too.

There are many things I could say about Momma/Granny/Momma Cleo/Aunt Cleo/Ms. Hyatt, or just plain Cleo. However you knew her, you may have your own memories to share. If we haven’t heard them already, we’d love to, so please take a few minutes to tell us today, or call us, or write or email.

Lately, I’ve thought a lot about what I learned from Momma. Here are just a few things. Some are funny, some are serious, some are frivolous and others are important. I’ve learned:

  • Cheese pancakes are best with syrup, dipped in egg yolk and enjoyed on Saturday mornings after sleepovers, or just around Grandma’s oak table with family.
  • I’ve learned that you choose your battles with children carefully. Some things aren’t worth fighting about – like when my brothers and their friends started putting graffiti on their bedroom walls.
  • I’ve learned when a mom says she doesn’t want or need anything for Christmas, it’s because she takes joy in giving to others. You can’t buy that.
  • Sometimes when you love people, you get hurt. Love anyway. Sometimes when you trust people, they disappoint you. Trust anyway.
  • I’ve learned how to play Solitaire, King’s Corners and as soon as I was old enough to hold thirteen cards in my hands, I learned how to play Pinochle. I’ve learned how to bid, count cards, and how to place a winning card on the table so that it makes that “clicking” sound that says, “So there! Top this one, will ya?” I’ve also learned when you let the other team take the bid, you say, “Come in” or was it “Come on?” If you’ve ever played cards with Mom, you can close your eyes and listen and hear it for yourself.
  • I’ve learned all parents say, “Because I said so,” and “if Mary jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?” And, “I’m not Mary’s Momma.”

Perhaps the most important thing I’ve learned form Momma is that people are people. You judge them on their character, not their color.

Sometime in the late 60’s or early 70’s the Etheridges moved into our neighborhood and became our friends. Tank, Velma, Jeanine and later, Jarod, became as close as family. Quite unusual in Georgia during that time. They were black. (Still are.)

I’m reminded of that line in the movie, “If You Could See What I Hear” when Mark Singer, playing the role of Tom Sullivan, the blind singer/songwriter, says to his girlfriend at the time, played by Shari Belafonte-Harper, “Oh no! I’m color blind too!”

Momma was colorblind. One time she asked Mrs. Etheridge if she could borrow some suntan lotion, to which Mrs. Etheridge looked down at her beautiful dark skin and replied, “Cleo, we don’t need any.”

One day Momma loaded us up to go to “Misty Waters” swimming pool. Jeanine went with us. When we got out and were setting up towels, someone came over and told Momma that Jeanine had to leave because she was “colored.”

Mom felt horrible! She may not have had the skills to help a little girl resolve such an emotionally charged issue, so she resorted to blow pops. A whole bag of them, right Jeanine? And it’s a lesson we’ll never forget. It’s much better to be colorblind.

The final thing I learned from Mom is that death is not to be feared. Mom knew she was dying and she was ready to go. When I asked her why she wasn’t afraid, she said, “Because I know I’m saved.”

Mom’s in heaven now, where there is no lung cancer and no pulmonary fibrosis. And this woman who could barely carry a tune in a bucket while here on earth, is singing with the angels, day and night, without ceasing,

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”

She’s laying her crown before the throne, saying,

“You are worthy, Lord God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”

Her voice is ringing out praises,

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing. To Him who sits on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and power. Forever. Amen.”